The Fox Glacier Inn and Bigfoot Bar has been mothballed since June last year and the first coronavirus lockdown. After a change in landlords and lease increase on August 2, Talreja says he had little option but to close the business and sell his chattels.
Additionally, Can I drive to Fox Glacier? Driving is the number one way to get to Glacier Country, whether it’s by bus or self driving you’re guaranteed to see some spectacular scenery along the way.
Can you walk Franz Josef Glacier? Franz Josef Glacier walk is an easy 1.5 hour round trip walk to the base of Franz Josef Glacier from the car park. Walk past a waterfall along the wide river stone track, suitable for children. You can’t get that close to the glacier face anymore because it’s receded too far.
Subsequently, What is the closest airport to Fox Glacier? The nearest airport to Fox Glacier is Hokitika (HKK).
FAQ
What is there to do between Westport and Greymouth?
Hokitika Gorge is another classic to see on this Great Coast road trip from Westport to Greymouth. Its turquoise water and the suspension bridge are perfect Instagram-worthy spots. The short walk to the Gorge is nice and easy. Just make sure you time your visit to Hokitika Gorge perfectly.
Can you drive from Fox Glacier to Mt Cook? You can’t get from Fox or Franz to Mt Cook without crossing the Southern Alps. (Lewis Pass, Arthurs Pass or Haast Pass). Although close in distance, Fox Glacier and Mt Cook are many hours apart by road.
Is Franz Josef worth it? Is Franz Josef worth visiting? Yes! Franz Josef is one of the most popular towns on the South Island of New Zealand. Not only is it a must-visit but Franz Josef is also a great place to spend a night or two on your road trip around New Zealand.
Can you walk Franz Josef Glacier without a guide? Yes! You can hike the trail to the base of the glacier without a guide.
Is the Franz Josef Glacier retreating?
Any visitor returning to Franz Josef glacier this year, after 10 years, would notice a stark distance. Since 2008, it has been retreating rapidly and lost a massive 1.56km in length, at the fastest rate ever recorded.
What is there to do between Fox Glacier and Wanaka? What are the best places to stop between Wanaka and Franz Josef?
- Lake Hawea.
- Lake Wanaka Lookout (just after “The Neck”)
- The Blue Pools.
- Haast Pass Lookout.
- Fantail Falls.
- Thunder Creek Falls.
- Haast River lookout.
- Roaring Billy Falls.
How do I get from Auckland to Franz Josef Glacier?
There is no direct connection from Auckland to Franz Josef. However, you can take the train to Puhinui Train Station, take the walk to Stop A Puhinui, take the bus to Stop A International Airport, take the walk to Auckland airport, fly to Hokitika, take the walk to Hokitika i-SITE, then take the bus to Franz Josef.
Is Greymouth worth visiting? It is a tourist experience, so it will be busy! However, it is definitely one of the best things to do in Greymouth New Zealand. If you are into doing touristy activities then it will be great, but if you like to get off the beaten track then this place probably isn’t for you!
What is there to see between Nelson and Westport?
Visit the local coal mining museum, then strap on your walking shoes to investigate the seal colony. Black water rafting, jet boating, horse trekking and surf rafting are other opportunities for outdoor excitement. The road to Nelson is scenic and interesting, beginning with the dark, forbidding Buller Gorge.
Where do you stop between Wanaka and Franz Josef?
What are the best places to stop between Wanaka and Franz Josef?
- Lake Hawea.
- Lake Wanaka Lookout (just after “The Neck”)
- The Blue Pools.
- Haast Pass Lookout.
- Fantail Falls.
- Thunder Creek Falls.
- Haast River lookout.
- Roaring Billy Falls.
Is Mount Cook worth visiting? Is it Mount Cook worth visiting? Absolutely! Mount Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, and as such, is seriously impressive. There are tons of beautiful walks and hikes to do in Mount Cook National Park that lead to stunning viewpoints of Mount Cook and nearby glaciers.
How many days do you need in Franz Josef? One day is more than enough to see everything in Franz Josef.
Where do you stop between Wanaka and Franz Josef?
Lake Hawea
Lake Hawea, a 15-minute drive from Wanaka, is your first stop when driving from Wanaka to Franz Josef. It’s New Zealand’s 9th largest lake. A truly stunning landscape with high mountain ranges and bright blue water, it’s very popular with keen fishermen as well as kayakers and kite surfers.
Can you visit Fox Glacier summer? Unlike the glacier regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier don’t get the harsh winter conditions that would mean closing hiking operations over winter. Thankfully, Franz Josef Glacier is open for business all year round. All you need to do is decide when you’re going to visit.
How long is the Franz Josef walk?
The 80-minute walk follows an old 4WD road then the tracks climbs to the old water tunnels. You will need a torch and raincoat to explore the tunnels. Walk or cycle through bush from Franz Josef township to the Franz Josef Glacier car park.
Does New Zealand have sea ice? Sea ice breaks up in the Ross Sea north of New Zealand’s Scott Base. This happens most years but scientists are worried climate change will disrupt the pattern. Sea ice thickness isn’t the only story in the Ross Sea, and Niwa’s Natalie Robinson is especially interested in « platelet ice ».
What is the steepest glacier?
Franz Josef is the steepest and fastest moving glacier in New Zealand. The steep form of the glacier creates the perfect conditions for ice flow. One impressive Franz Josef glacier fact is that this glacier has been recorded as moving up to 4 metres per day.
What is special about Franz Josef Glacier? Why steep glaciers are the best glaciers Franz Josef Glacier is one of the steepest and fastest moving glaciers on the planet. Its narrow, steep shape is perfectly formed for ice flow. Franz Josef Glacier funnels ice from a height of 3,000 metres to 240 metres in just under 11 kilometres.
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